Breaking: Fire breaks out in Formby dunes with flames visible from Crosby

A fire has broken out in the dunes at Formby this evening, with flames reportedly visible from as far away as Burbo Bank in Crosby.

The fire comes at the end of an exceptionally busy evening on the Formby coastline, where hundreds of people gathered earlier to watch tonight’s solar eclipse.

Reports coming into Formby Bubble indicate that the flames can be seen from several miles away across the Sefton coastline.

At this stage, the exact location and extent of the fire are not yet confirmed and there has not yet been an official update from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service about this incident.

The dry dune vegetation can allow fire to spread extremely quickly, so anyone in the area should keep well away and allow emergency services clear access.

If you are currently on Formby Beach or in the pinewoods and can see the fire, please do not approach it.

We will bring you further information as soon as we receive confirmation from the emergency services.

If you have photographs or video taken from a safe distance, please send them to Formby Bubble.